Get Outside
Beaches, trails, and weekend plans
Hiking Los Peñasquitos Canyon to the Waterfall: My Favorite Easy Escape in San Diego
A local's guide to the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail — a flat, shaded, dog-friendly walk along a year-round creek to a little waterfall tucked in volcanic rock.
Hiking the Gliderport Trail to Black's Beach: My Favorite Dramatic Descent in La Jolla
A local's guide to the Gliderport Trail — a short, steep cliff descent to wild, secluded Black's Beach in La Jolla.
Garnet Peak, Mount Laguna: My Local's Guide to One of San Diego's Best Views
Garnet Peak is the hike I'd send you on first in the Laguna Mountains. My local's guide to this short climb to a 5,900-foot summit with sweeping desert and mountain views.
Your Local's Guide to the Best San Diego Summer Hikes (2026)
Summer hiking in San Diego is all about timing. My local's guide to the best summer hikes — five trails, from easy coastal walks to a sunrise summit climb.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: A Complete San Diego Guide to Running, Picnics, Tide Pools, and Sunsets
A complete guide to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — San Diego's 68-acre cliffside park. Trails, tide pools, sunset views, surfing, picnicking, and everything you can do for free.
Potato Chip Rock: My Local's Guide to San Diego's Most Famous Hike
The Potato Chip Rock hike is the most photographed trail in San Diego. My local's guide to all three routes up Mount Woodson — with the truth about the climb, the photo wait, and exactly when to go to beat the crowds.
Black Mountain Trail: My Local's Guide to One of San Diego's Best Summit Views
The Black Mountain Trail punches above its weight. My local's guide to this 4-mile climb to a 1,554-foot summit — with 270-degree views from downtown San Diego to Mexico, plus the route, parking, and what to pack.
Annie's Canyon Trail: My Local's Guide to San Diego's Slot Canyon Hike
Annie's Canyon Trail is one of those hikes that doesn't feel like anywhere else in Southern California. My local's guide to this slot canyon near Encinitas.
Coast Walk Trail: My Local's Guide to La Jolla's Best Free View
A 0.6-mile cliffside trail next to the Cave Store delivers Amalfi Coast views over La Jolla Cove. Free, easy, dog-friendly, and probably the best 15 minutes in San Diego.
Guy Fleming Trail: My Local's Guide to Torrey Pines' Best Easy Hike
Most people underestimate the Guy Fleming Trail. My local's guide to this easy 0.7-mile loop at Torrey Pines, with ocean views, rare pines, and wildflowers.
Cowles Mountain: My Local's Guide to San Diego's Highest Point
San Diego's highest peak packs 950 feet of climbing into 1.5 miles. Here's what to bring, when to go, and what to expect.